Soil and water conservation districts are independent subdivisions of state government governed by boards of supervisors, local landowners and residents elected or appointed to the board for a four year term.  A soil and water conservation district (SWCD) is authorized by the Soil and Water Conservation District Act (73-20-25 through 73-20-48 NMSA 1978 ) to conserve and develop the natural resources of the state, provide for flood control, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of New Mexico. SWCDs coordinate assistance from all available sources -- public and private, local, state and federal -- in an effort to develop locally driven solutions to local natural resource concerns. Forty-seven SWCDs encompass the majority of New Mexico's land area.

Soil and Water Conservation District Act

SWCD District and Region Map

SWCD Office Directory

Frequently Asked Questions about Soil and Water Conservation Districts

Resources for SWCD Supervisors and Staff

Watershed Districts are formed for the purpose of conservation of water, or of water usage, including water-based recreation, flood prevention, flood control, erosion prevention and control of erosion, and floodwater and sediment damages.  The land area in a watershed district must be contiguous and must lie within a well-defined watershed area or subwatershed areas; and may embrace lands lying in one or more soil and water conservation districts, or lands lying partly within and partly outside a soil and water conservation district.  There are seven active watershed districts in New Mexico.

Watershed District Act

Election of SWCD supervisors (board members) statewide is scheduled for May 6, 2008.  The deadline to file candidacy for positions 3 and 4 is March 18, 2008.  The deadline to file for write-in candidacy is March 25, 2008.  Please contact your local SWCD or the NMDA Agricultural Programs and Resources Division at (575) 646-2642 for further information.

Election Rules

Election Forms and Information

Some SWCDs will hold referendums on May 6, 2008.  Referendums may be for the purpose of modifying a district boundary, or for implementing or continuing a mill levy in the district.  Please use the following links, or contact your local SWCD or the NMDA Agricultural Programs and Resources Division at (575) 646-2642 for further information. 

Referendum Rules

Referendum Forms and Information